Fiat India confirms Jeep launch for 2015

Fiat Group Automobiles India, a subsidiary of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, has announced launch of the Jeep SUV brand in India in 2015. Earlier expected to launch in 2013, plans were deferred to 2014, following which the company has confirmed launch in 2015 stating that official announcements will be made shortly.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has successfully launched two new cars in India this year – Linea and¬†Punto Evo. Now, they plan to launch two more cars this year – Avventura and Abarth 500. But¬†what happened to the Jeep brand, which was first announced for a 203 launch, and then for a 2014 launch?

Well, the plans have once again been deferred. According to latest news on the matter, Fiat India will launch the Jeep brand in 2015. As the company thinks that will be the right time¬†as¬†market conditions in India getting better. This was confirmed by¬†Fiat India¬†President and Managing Director, Nagesh Basavanhalli.

Brand Chief, Mr Manley had confirmed the news back in June this year. In his interview with Reuters, Mr Manley had also mentioned that Jeep could be starting local manufacture at the shared Fiat Tata Motors plant in Ranjangaon, though there is not much of spare capacity considering that Fiat has just refreshed its lineup in India, and Tata has started Zest production. Prior to launch of Jeep in India, Manley is also to appoint new 15-20 dealers, exclusive for the brand, apart from Fiat‚Äôs existing 116 dealers in India.